"If this was supposed to be some sort of PR stunt, then it misses the point," an unnamed spokesperson from Four Paws told Yahoo! News. "It's bad enough that animals are slaughtered for food, but to parade a heart, dripping blood and gore, is hardly a good way to advertise a sporting goods firm."

Podolski released a statement in response to the backlash from Four Paws, saying that he doesn't "find it disgusting. It just shows my promise to give my heart in our bid to win the World Cup. I and the rest of the team will give it all for Germany."

Portugal's Nani, Spain's Diego Costa, Brazil's Dani Alves and the Netherlands' Arjen Robben are also included in the seemingly provocative ad.

Four Paws, according to its website, is an agency whose vision is to promote "a world where humans treat animals with respect, empathy and understanding."